Christmas comes in twos

The holiday season offered a meaningful opportunity to celebrate what truly matters through two special events: One centered on spending joyful time with children, filling the day with laughter and simple moments of happiness; the other featured an insightful talk that reflected on life’s challenges, offering encouragement, perspective and hope. Together, these events captured the true spirit of the holidays — care, reflection and giving.

A day at Cebu Safari and Adventure Park became especially meaningful as a group of pediatricians, led by Dr. Vivina Chiu, president of the Philippine Medical Women’s Association–Cebu Chapter, joined families for a refreshing blend of learning and adventure.

The doctors delivered a short yet insightful talk on parenting, offering practical guidance for raising children ages three to five. They emphasized nurturing curiosity, establishing gentle routines and supporting emotional development during these formative years. Parents welcomed the opportunity to ask questions in an open and relaxed setting.

Following the talk, 150 children from neighboring barangays enjoyed a fun-filled morning of games and laughter. A lively clown and the Safari Park’s mascot, the friendly lion, delighted the children and kept their energy high.

The celebration continued with warm servings of chicken porridge, followed by an abundance of candies. Simple yet thoughtful, these treats brought smiles to every child and made the day even more memorable, ending the gathering on a joyful and caring note.

Eduard Loop, vice president and COO of Cebu Safari and Adventure Park, together with his dedicated and highly efficient team, left no stone unturned in ensuring the children experienced a truly special Christmas celebration. Every detail was carefully planned to bring joy, laughterm and excitement to the young participants.

In a separate event, Dido Gustilo Villasor, the country’s top psychologist, delivered an engaging and insightful talk at Casino Español, drawing an appreciative audience of club members and special guests. Known for her clear perspective, Villasor spoke with a balance of authority, warmth, and deep respect for her listeners.

Her lecture highlighted the alarming rise of anxiety and depression across all age groups, emphasizing that these conditions are no longer confined to any single generation or social class. She examined contributing factors such as constant digital exposure, economic uncertainty and the pressure to meet unrealistic expectations — challenges that have intensified in recent years.

Importantly, the lecture underscored the need to break the stigma surrounding mental health by encouraging open conversations, early intervention and access to professional support. Villasor concluded with a powerful reminder that addressing mental health is a collective responsibility, one that requires empathy, awareness and sustained community effort.